Government backs charge for cars on city centre street

Motorists will be charged to drive into an historic city centre in the country's first scheme to win Government backing, it was announced yesterday.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has given approval for the plan to charge motorists in Durham £2 to drive along a street leading to the city's cathedral and castle, which is a World Heritage Site.

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said the charge, which comes into effect next month, was being brought in to reduce the volume of traffic rather than as a fund-raising initiative.

Up to 3,000 motorists a day use the only road into the historic part of the city on a loop of the River Wear on which stands the imposing Durham Cathedral, as well as a number of private homes, businesses, parts of Durham University and the Chorister School, where Tony Blair was a pupil.

The same road, Saddler Street, which is only wide enough for one car at a time, is also used by 13,000 pedestrians a day, rising to 17,000 on a Saturday.

The conflict between pedestrians and drivers has caused safety concerns.

Mr Manton said: "We believe the access charge will resolve that conflict, give more breathing space to pedestrians in the city centre and substantially enhance the environment. Durham Cathedral was recently voted Britain's best-loved building in a national architectural poll, and it is important that we manage the very restricted road space that we have so that everyone can enjoy the historic part of the city."

The county council said there was extensive consultation with local businesses.

The scheme will be supported by the introduction of a shuttle bus.

Local residents and their visitors, disabled drivers and motorcyclists will be exempt from the toll.